Friday, October 30, 2009

Happy Halloween and Samhain!

An Ancient festival known as Samhain which is derived from Old Irish and means roughly "summer's end. The festival of Samhain celebrates the end of the "lighter half" of the year and beginning of the "darker half". The veal beween worlds is thin, allowing spirits to pass through. One's families ancestors were honoured and invited home whilst harmful spirits were warded off. It is believed that the need to ward off harmful spirits led to the wearing of costumes and masks. Hence Halloween as we know it, Parties and trick-o-treating!

I have a few Etsy Favs to share w/ you

Handmade Folk Art Witch art doll OOAK polymer clay Beatrice:

by http://hopeandjoystudios.etsy.com

Ignis Fatuus, Jack of the swamps:

from http://ALittleCharacter.etsy.com

Brooms from http://BROOMCHICK.etsy.com


One of my most favorite artist on etsy
The Coven - Original Acrylic Painting:

http://EmilyBalivet.etsy.com

Whatever you do on Halloween have a great time and be safe.
Remember to brush your teeth!!
Melissa

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Music

Everyone deserves music, Sweet Music
Everyone deserves music, Sweet Music

I bet you haven't thought about looking on etsy for Music or music making instruments?

Well I have and I'm going to share w/ you what I found.

Lotus (flute)

from http://aikuzzuraflutes.etsy.com

Chinese musical instrument hulusi with 3 keys

from http://www.zeyu.etsy.com

GRAVIKORD, Double Harp, Electro-Acoustic, Kora

from http://www.NewMuse.etsy.com

Here's a Cd RATED G music CD original songs by Mike Burnes

You can find on http://www.wildwood.etsy.com

Gourd Guiro Handcarved and Finshed with Stick:

from http://RitmicoPercussion.etsy.com

18 inch ashiko from scavenged cedar

from http://www.SlapHappyDrums.etsy.com

The experience of music has raised human passions to very high levels suggests that these sounds require attention and that trying to understand their role in our lives is a worth-while endeavor. Check out the music section in etsy and see what calls you.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Street Fair Friends

So a few weeks back I did the Univesity of Oregon Street Fair. It went pretty well. I only did the Wednesday, Thursday. But it was fun hanging out and chatting it up with fellow Etsy Eugenians. I'd like to share a few of the artist w/ya.


bonnetsnotbombs.etsy.com
who makes really sweet little bonnet hats
~all natural materials


cashewedalmonds.etsy.com
amazing false gauged earrings, that will fool anyone!


thats only two, there is more to come

Monday, October 19, 2009

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Monsters!!
Monsters on etsy!

Original Monster Art by Harry

http://365monsters.etsy.com

Monsters in sterling silver pendant necklace:

by http://ballandchain.etsy.com

in Ceramic, hand thrown monster personal tea set:

by http://skeletaldropkick.etsy.com

Halloween Haunted Monster Mash Hand Embellished Custom Boys Jeans Sz. 1-10

by http://mydeepbluec.etsy.com

Amazing Custom Made for you Woolie Wog Goblin Needle felt fantasy Wool fiber soft sculpture doll

by http://TangleWoodThicket .etsy.com

Monster Monsters everywhere even in your underwear
UNISEX mens SM MED maroon navy BOOGIE MONSTER boxer briefs HANDMADE UNDERWEAR:


http://sheshodesigns.etsy.com

Let the artist of etsy bring out your inner monster.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Here's some of the threadkillas on my thread to win a Pixie HoodE
They are all so sweet and you must visit there shops!

JanEleven beautiful Vintage items, original Art, and unique Jewelery:
LilPink Sweetheart Necklace


Inkwear99:
Ink, does wonderful custome t-shirt/shoes check out theses
Pirate Ship and Pirate Skull Tattoo Inspired Custom Designed Shoes


Here's the link to my thread
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6005195
Go enter maybe you'll win a Pixie HoodE

Have a great rest of your weekend!


Katker:
on CLEARANCE - Cherie Pendant Necklace - Rose Swarovski Crystals, Vintage Hand Painted Glass Cabochon and Gold


Henatayeb Flower Maker Photograph:



Violinkeri:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7485292
She has jewelry, dog toys, sewing and art :




EmmysBoosAndRawrs:
this is Uno the one eyed monster:


from lanakinbuddys Pegasus Blanket:


Rayvenwood Manor HAIR STICK Gothic RED, Black, Clear SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL Set of two HANDMADE:


from LittleMissCreate Dog Puppy Advent Tree Calendar Christmas:



Go enter my thread maybe you'll win a Pixie Hoode
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6005195

Notice I tried to have a pink theme?
October Is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
remember to get checked and to remind your family and friends to do the same!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Handmade Halloween!

Wicked Witch of the West soft mask - child size

from http://www.magicalmasks.etsy.com
She's got all kinds of great masks in her shop please check her out!

Little Blue Crochet Halloween Monster

from http://ParamiPanda.etsy.com

Hand Carved Skeleton Marionette Puppet
carved from lime wood

from http://www.companyofmarionettes.etsy.com

Short Red Dragon Tail

from http://www.fancypantskidscanada.etsy.com

Halloween isn't halloween without a few good treats
FALL / HALLOWEEN CANDY - Chocolate covered pretzels - Gourmet Treat

from http://www.etsy.com

How about some cider
Wonderful natural mulling spices for Crock Pot Wine or Apple cider:

from http://www.designtalentedone.etsy.com

Any, or all of these will make your halloween a very special one.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Boy is it cold outside!

Brrrrrrrrr.........

Here's some Etsy finds to warm you up


From StudioApparel.etsy.com "Tea For Two Jacket"


How about a Felted purple scarf from thebeachcomberstudio.etsy.com


here's one from ManicManx.etsy.com "steampunk frock coat, neo victorian in black velvet" Very Unique~


Super cute Upcycled Felted Wool Mittens Flower Applique Red and Green
from formydarling.etsy.com



Beautiful PEONY COAT from econica.etsy.com - organic cotton fleece CUSTOM MADE IN YOUR SIZE


and this amazing Handmade felted afghan from kallerin.etsy.com
(FREE SHIPPING!)


Don't forget Baby with these felted baby gum boot. stripes. (3-9 months)
from ingridmoss.etsy.com

Saturday, October 3, 2009

ELDERBERRY

Its that time of the year again to make Elderberry Syrups!!

Elderberry is a natural remedy with three flavonoids that have antiviral properties. Flavonoids are very effective against different strains of influenza virus. Black Elderberry also has other compounds, called anthocyanins, which have an anti-inflammatory effect, thus reducing aches and pains. Elderberries contain flavonoids, which are natural chemical substances that give food their taste and color; they also boost the immune system, and supply the body with antioxidant protection.
Elderberry has been shown to be very effective against at least eight strains of flu virus

Why pay $12.89 for a small 4oz bottle when you can do it your self. I usually bottle or freeze mine for medicinal uses. This year I'm trying it w/ ginger root. I'm also putting aside some for wine making!!

You can use the syrup in many ways. I give my kids a teaspoon everyday, to prevent colds. Elderberry syrup great in a glass of sparkling water over ice, dripped some over plain yogurt, atop of vanilla ice cream, pancakes and waffles! You can also use the berries to make Elderberry jelly. Oh yes when I make fruit leather I add some syrup into the mix. Yummy!


Here's a recipe
Elderberry Syrup
Makes 1 quart


Make sure the cookware you're using is non-reactive and your clothes are stain-friendly. If you use an Stainless Steel pot,note spatulas and anything else to plan to use to stir the syrup while it's cooking will stain!


2-pounds (1kg) elderberries (see note below), woody stems removed and rinsed
4 cups (1l) water
2½ (500g) cups sugar
one nice-sized squirt of freshly-squeezed lemon juice(optional)


1. Put the elderberries in a large, non-reactive pot with the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, until tender and soft.


2. Pass through a food mill, or cheese cloth and squeeze then discard the skins.


3. Pour the juice back into the pot (I use a fine-mesh strainer again at this point, but I'm crazy...), add sugar, and cook at a low boil over moderate heat for 15 minutes, until the syrup has thickened. Add a spritz of lemon juice. Cool completely.


4. Pour into a bottle or jar and store in the refrigerator. Can or Freeze


More goods on Uses & Benefits Of Elderberry

•Elderberry used for kidney problems, urinary problems, eliminating excess water from the body and Inflammatory Conditions.

•Elderberry may be helpful in arthritic and rheumatic complaints.

•Elderberry flowers tea use to treat respiratory infections.

•It is also used for fighting influenza and colds as an excellent internal cleanser.

•Elderberry helps in relieves asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, colds and influenza.


***Only those with blue/black berries are medicinal. The flowers and berries are both used.

Happy Well being~